Vaccination continues to be the best protection against respiratory viruses and their potentially serious complications, the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and other state medical societies nationwide recently reaffirmed in an open letter ahead of an expected difficult respiratory season.
TMA’s endorsement comes on the heels of an influenza season whose lethality, particularly for children, defied expectations and in the wake of a historic measles outbreak that spread from the Panhandle and South Plains regions of Texas to Kansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, sickening hundreds of unvaccinated patients and causing the deaths of two children.
The letter’s publication coincides with an anticipated meeting of the recomposed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which TMA President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, addressed in a separate statement to members (member log-in required). The AMA missive to the American people cites “recent changes to federal immunization review processes” that “have raised concerns across the medical and public health community.”
“In this moment of uncertainty, it is more important than ever for physicians to align around clear, science-based guidance for patients,” the letter asserts, calling on partners – insurers, hospitals, and public health agencies – to keep vaccines for respiratory illnesses available at no cost to patients.
Noting that physicians are among the most trusted voices to recommend vaccines against flu and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, medicine signaled its commitment to promoting public understanding and confidence in the use of vaccines to avoid another grim respiratory virus season and an attendant surge of vaccine-preventable illnesses and deaths.
“The health and safety of the public remains our top priority, and we will continue to support evidence-based immunizations to help prevent severe disease and protect public health,” AMA wrote.
Find the latest TMA vaccine news and resources, visit TMA’s immunization webpage.
Last Updated On
June 25, 2025
Originally Published On
June 25, 2025
Jessica Ridge
Reporter, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1395